Monk - Way of the Sly Serpent
The Way of the Sly Serpent is a martial art that evolved in cities as practitioners adapted traditional monastic traditions to the more practical requirements of city life. Rather than cloistered warriors with little understanding of the outside world, monks of this tradition were intimately aware of how things worked in cities, which often ran contrary to the quiet life most other monks were accustomed to.
Street Smarts
3rd-level Way of the Sly Serpent feature
Years of city living have put you more in tune with your surroundings than the average monk. You can’t be surprised while you are conscious. Additionally, you gain proficiency in the Insight skill if you do not already have it, and you gain proficiency in a gaming set of your choice.
Ground and Pound
3rd-level Way of the Sly Serpent feature
You have advantage on any Strength (Athletics) check you make to grapple or shove an opponent.
Grapple Master
6th-level Way of the Sly Serpent feature
You can now Grapple or Shove as a bonus action. Additionally, opponents who are grappled by you make attack rolls against you with disadvantage.
Below the Belt
6th-level Way of the Sly Serpent feature
While making an attack during the Attack action, you may spend 2 ki points to deliver an unsportsmanlike kick to the groin. If your opponent has testicles, they must make a constitution saving throw. If they fail the save, they suffer major trauma to their testicles and are unable to sire children for the rest of their life. Additionally, their speed drops to 0 until your next turn.
Retribution
11th-level Way of the Sly Serpent feature
When an opponent within 5 feet of you hits you with a melee attack, you can spend a ki point to counterattack as a reaction. This counterattack is a regular unarmed attack for you.
Heightened Senses
17th-level Way of the Sly Serpent feature
As an action, you may spend 2 ki points to gain Truevision out to 30 feet for 1 minute.
About the Author
Brandon Gregory
Brandon Gregory is a web developer and writer in the Kansas City area. He's been playing TTRPGs since 2020 and is involved in the disability-related TTRPG podcast Tales from the Crips. He's into classic movies, mental health, and, of course, DnD. Also, he's in a band. One time, they rocked so hard it killed a man.